Will springs help, what do I ask for?

[decodancer]

I just purchased a 17 foot TT (2600#) to pull behind my Kia Sedona minivan. Pulled it home 90 miles and no sway problems. I did notice a lot of rise and fall motion when we went over a bump. A neighbor said springs might help but honestly I have no idea what to ask the mechanic for if in fact this is a good idea. I'm looking into a weight distribution hitch as well but the 2 5/16th ball is an option at an additional $110s ,is this an unusual size on a small TT?

[wingnut60]

First thing--are you absolutely sure the trailer weight is 2600lbs?
Is it single or tandem axles?
Not familiar with the Sedona--what does the factory say about towing with it?
Joe

[TXiceman]

What you really need to the weight distributing system. This will distribute some of the weight on to the front axle as we as some back on the trailer. The truck will ride at a normal height and less bouncing once it is all set up correctly.

I am presuming that you have the correct trailer weight, at least 10% of the trailer weight on the tongue and it is within the limits on the Sedona.

Ken

[decodancer]

The towing capacity of the Sedona is 3500, hitch weight 350. I do not know the exact trailer weight, I've been searching online and it appears the advertised 2550 in pretty close though I can't find an exact model with a weight to compare it to. It has two axels. The trailer does not have brakes. On the label it lists 2550 and also 4100. I believe that is the most it could possibly weigh if loaded to the max, sorry can't remember the codes next to the numbers and the trailer is not home to check.

[TXiceman]

"Does not have brakes"...

That is scary. i would not begin to tow it without a proper brake system. Depending on the state, it may or may not require brakes. In any case, if you go to a state with a 1500# brake limit, you will be expected to have brakes.

Ken

[decodancer]

OK, I'll admit I haven't done a lot of towing and didn't have brakes on my little Scamp or pop-up. Is this something I can add without tremendous cost?

[Ray,IN]

It depends on your axles. If they have mounting holes for brake backing plates it is a simple matter to buy the complete backing plate with brakes pre-installed (a bit over $100 ea), bolt them on (4 bolts, I think), adjust the shoes, and move to the wiring phase; you will find complete wiring instructions and diagrams online. If your tow vehicle does not have an electric brake controller, only buy a proportional controller, avoid a time-based controller like the plague. Tekonsha brake controllers
are arguably the most popular brand, either the Prodigy or Primus controllers are quality units, with the Prodigy having more bellsNwhistles.

[KTM Guy]

Single-axle trailers are much more prone to "porpoising" than tandem-axle units. If that's what you have a weight-distributing hitch will eliminate most of the problem.

[Kurmudgeon]

Since no one has answered your original question yet, I'll start there. Yes, a 2-5/16 inch ball on a 17 foot trailer would be unusual, and extreme overkill, unless there have been some recent changes in the industry. I would think it currently takes a 2 inch ball, and that is perfectly adequate. There are 2 inch balls rated up to at least 12,000 pounds. But if your trailer is already equipped with a 2-5/16 inch coupler, then go with that size. And you definitely should be using a weight distributing hitch.

As far as brakes, I would think that your trailer probably DOES have brakes on one of the axles. Did you check it personally, or did someone tell you that? It would be very unusual to find a tandem axle trailer without brakes, especially with a GVW of 4100 pounds. The trailer brake law in most states requires brakes on at least one axle of tandem axle trailers. It's pretty simple to tell. Pull both wheels off one side, and if you see brake drums, you have brakes. An axle without brakes will not have brake drums. Although I will concede that if your trailer was originally sold in a state that did not require brakes, it's certainly possible it has none.

[decodancer]

Seems I got a lot of missinformation from the previous owners. Was advertised as a 1990, title says 1988. The trailer does have brakes or at least wires going to the wheels (mechanic told me what to look for) and the 7 prong round wiring is also an indication. I'm taking van and trailer in on Monday to get a controller for the van. I also measured the trailer and it's 19 feet from coupler to bumper. The ad said 17 feet. I will get the weight distrubution hitch everyone has reccomended. The coupler on the trailer is 2 5/16th so I'll have to pay for that option. I still love the camper and think I got a good deal so worth spending a bit to make it safe.